"Did I provoke him unnecessarily?"
It seemed irritation from the hot weather got the better of him. Truthfully, he had been envious of the working conditions within the Palma Knight Order. Joining them wasn't entirely out of the question.
"If this situation doesn't resolve somehow, I might have to join the Palma Knights and hover around Luke Yeager."
That would mean giving up on the academy.
He didn't want to stay in a country as hot as Basor for long, nor did he like that option. For some reason, he felt a strong urge to return to Baden.
"Luke Yeager being weak is the problem."
Helmut quickly concluded.
If Yeager had been strong enough to protect himself from Lutus Kikero's machinations, there would have been no issue. But that wasn't the case, hence the problem.
As Helmut was about to leave the stage, he suddenly remembered something he had forgotten.
"Oh right, the greeting."
His awkward wave, though seemingly insincere, drew loud cheers.
Hyde! Hyde! Hyde!
"Why does Alea dislike this?"
Was it because of the hassle of being pursued? Helmut felt the thrill of being in the spotlight anew. Not with hostility or disdain, but with admiration. It was the kind of treatment fitting for a strong individual.
"Looks like you remembered my advice, though a bit late."
Luke Yeager, who had unfairly criticized Helmut, was there again today, as if it was his designated spot. His match was after Helmut's, just like today. Being the semi-finals, there was a bit of a gap between their matches.
Helmut looked back at him with a smile.
"You seem to like it there."
Though shaded, it wasn't as comfortable as the waiting area. By this point, it could be considered a peculiar preference for that specific spot.
Luke glanced back at the waiting area.
"No, today was a bit inconvenient."
"You have inconveniences too?"
Luke frowned.
"What do you think I am? A pushover?"
In fact, that was the case. Despite his strength, Luke Yeager had a somewhat approachable aspect to him.
Being not even twenty and despite being a prodigy, he didn't exude a heavy or prickly aura.
"That's probably why Horten Cicero looked down on you."
But Luke Yeager, not like the typical stubborn and prideful swordsman, was actually to Helmut's liking, especially in contrast to Darien.
Luke was quite talkative in front of Helmut. He grumbled,
"The Second Prince said he would visit the waiting area. He says it's to encourage us, but I think he just wants to see me. It's driving me nuts."
So he was hiding here. This place was somewhat of a blind spot.
"Just meet him."
"If I, a member of the Palma Knights, meet him when our Knight Commander supports the First Prince...! No, what am I even saying?"
Luke hastily shut his mouth. Loose-lipped as always. It was good not to have told him the truth. He would struggle to keep secrets from the Knight Commander.
Helmut casually remarked,
"I knew about it."
"You knew that too! What don't you know? Maybe it's quicker to start with that."
"I know things you don't know too."
"What are those then!"
Luke was getting irritable and somewhat angry.
Helmut narrowed his eyes.
For example, that he was the grand-disciple of Darien and possessed Darien's sword, and that his Knight Commander had betrayed Darien.
Helmut changed the subject and suggested,
"It's better not to avoid it."
"What are you talking about?"
The enemy's enemy is a friend. Since the Knight Commander and the First Prince were enemies of Darien, the Second Prince would be considered a friend, to Luke Yeager as well.
Helmut countered with a question.
"Does he know you're the great-grandson of the Sword Saint?"
"Yes, he knows. That's why he wants to keep talking to me. Maybe he thinks he can sway the Palma Knights' support to his side through me?"
Being the great-grandson of the Sword Saint might hold that much influence. Although the person in question seemed reluctant.
It was unclear what the Second Prince knew. But if he showed active interest in the great-grandson of the Sword Saint, what would Lutus Cicero and the First Prince think?
"Anyway, it seems Luke Yeager would be in danger."
"Aren't you interested in power?"
"Not interested."
"And not in becoming the Knight Commander?"
"You, what are you talking about!"
Luke looked around nervously. He was more faint-hearted than expected.
"Nobody's here. Just curious about the Second Prince, that's all."
Helmut smirked slightly.
"But, it doesn't seem like you're meeting him alone."
"What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying you're curious so we should meet him together?"
"You can take it that way. It won't be a disadvantage to you."
"And why should you decide that!"
"You'll understand when you know."
"I don't know! Understand what!"
Luke Yeager shouted and then coughed to cover it up.
"Anyway, meet the Second Prince alone. I can't. It would complicate my position."
"Aren't you curious about what I would say to the Second Prince?"
At the probing question, Luke's eyebrows twitched.
"If you don't like it, stay here. I'll meet him alone."
Helmut walked past him briskly.
"I can't let someone suspicious like you meet the Second Prince and say something strange."
Luke eventually followed hesitantly.
The waiting area was quiet, with few matches remaining.
Luke Yeager's opponent, seeing Helmut and Luke return to the waiting area, left with a displeased expression. He was also a member of the Palma Knights.
"Do you also have a bad relationship with him?"
"…Yes. Except for the Knight Commander, those from Basor sword families don't like me."
"Do you have any friends?"
"What kind of question is that? You seem more like the type without friends!"
That was true. Luke Yeager listed a few names of close comrades.
It seemed the Palma Knights were divided between those from noble sword families and those who were not.
"Like the academy."
In a rough country like Basor, respect within a martial group like the Palma could be harmful.
But Luke Yeager, who wouldn't oppress or look down on someone for being weaker, didn't fit the mold.
"People like Luke, skilled but young and unpolished, are easy to underestimate."
"Your turn, tell me about your friends."
"About what?"
"Your friends' names."
Was it petty curiosity, or was he trying to deduce Helmut's identity through his friends' names? Although others might be okay, Alea's name was too well-known, risking exposure.
Helmut ignored him neatly.
"…It seems the Second Prince is coming."
Footsteps were heard from outside. It sounded like several knights accompanying him, but only one entered.
"Wait outside for me."
With a quiet voice, the Second Prince entered.
Helmut confirmed,
"I could join the Palma Knights."
But he wouldn't be able to participate in the tournament as a prince of Basor. Who would dare to cross swords with a prince in the tournament?
Noticing Luke, the Second Prince's lips curved into a smile.
"You're not avoiding me today, Luke Yeager."
Straight to the point. Luke's face showed discomfort, but he quickly showed respect.
"Greetings, Second Prince."
"Greetings, Second Prince."
Helmut followed suit, bowing. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, he had learned.
After all, the prize money came from Basor. It was only right to show respect to those providing it.
"The young lad here, Hyde, is it? Because of you, our Basor knights' pride has been wounded."
"If they're weak, losing is natural. They just need to accept reality."
"Hey!"
Whispering, Luke nudged him. The opponent was a prince, after all.
But the Second Prince, true to the Basor spirit of loving strong individuals, smiled it off.
"With your skills, you have the right to say that. Your matches were impressive. I expect much in the finals. Personally, for the honor of the Palma Knights, I hope Luke Yeager wins."
"He only accepts women's cheers."
"What? Hahaha!"
The Second Prince laughed heartily. Luke's face twitched. Not an ideal situation in front of the prince.
"What are you saying in front of His Highness?"
The prince regained composure and tilted his head, asking,
"But you two seem closer than expected."
"Absolutely not!"
"Not exactly, but..."
Luke hastily denied it, then shot a glare. Helmut lightly dismissed it and asked the prince,
"What do you think of Darien, the Sword Saint?"
Despite the sudden change of topic, the prince smoothly replied,
"A person worthy of respect. As a child, my dream was to receive sword training from him. Unfortunately, I was rejected."
"Why?"
"He said my talent wasn't sufficient for his sword training. Even princes aren't exempt."
"He was quite direct, even with His Highness."
Luke muttered. Inadvertently, his comment was negative. Darien was a hero of the nation. The prince showed a slight displeasure.
"You speak of your great-grandfather in such a manner?"
It wasn't a noble manner of speaking. Luke coughed and then said,
"No, actually, my grandfather kept calling him 'that old man,' so it just stuck. What did he say to my grandfather? 'You're lacking, but as my son, receiving my swordsmanship is a divine honor.' He used to say that a lot."
The prince smiled, hearing Luke's explanation.
"He was quite a character."
Suddenly, the prince looked sharply at Helmut.
"Did this young man already know? He doesn't seem surprised."
Luke had an "oops" expression. Helmut promptly answered,
"I knew."
"It's not because I told him. He already knew! How, I'm not sure..."
"It doesn't matter if you leaked it. I respect your wish to be recognized for your abilities, not just as the descendant of the Sword Saint. It's my wish to reveal that fact."
"Not like that."
Accidentally outed by the prince, Luke looked mortified. But the prince continued,
"Anyway, revealing it after the tournament might be appropriate. But I have something important to discuss with you after the tournament ends. This isn't the place for it."
The prince's gaze lingered on Helmut for a moment. Despite knowing about Luke Yeager's identity, he didn't intend to leave. Assessing how much to reveal, he spoke with a serious tone,
"This matter concerns your safety as well."
Helmut's gaze sharpened at the prince. He immediately understood what the prince intended to discuss.
"Wouldn't it be safer for me not to seek you out? I am a member of the Palma Knights. I can't defy the Knight Commander's wishes..."
Luke's expression turned grave.
Given the Knight Commander's support for the First Prince, getting close to the Second Prince could be problematic. The prince shook his head,
"Seek me out secretly then. I'll send someone."
He added cautiously,
"It's a matter of great importance. It won't harm you."